Columbia Basin Hydropower (CBHP) seeks a Hydro Engineer. The Hydro Engineer is responsible for FERC relicensing, project management, maintenance tracking and creation, and maintaining CBHP’s master project and maintenance schedule. The Hydro Engineer reports directly to the CBHP manager.
CBHP operates and maintains five hydroelectric projects with a total capacity of 129 MW and provides FERC liaison support for two additional hydro projects owned by the three Columbia Basin Irrigation Districts. CBHP employs 25 management and craft workers and has an annual O&M budget of $6 million.
The position is located in Ephrata, WA. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. CBHP provides a comprehensive benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, and Washington State PERS retirement plan. Send resume outlining qualifications and a list of three references to 107 D Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 or e-mail to info@cbhydropower.org by August 29, 2025.

SUMMARY

The Hydro Engineer is responsible for FERC relicensing, project management, maintenance tracking and creation, and maintaining CBHP’s master project and maintenance schedule. The Hydro Engineer reports directly to the CBHP manager.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred
• Minimum of five years of experience in hydroelectric power generation field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for degree.
• Project Management Professional certificate is desired
• Experience working on projects in Hydroelectric plants is desired
• Experience with Washington State contracting requirements desired
• Experience working with craft labor desired
• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license

The following duties are performed personally or through direction and collaboration with other CBHP employees, agencies, contractors, and consultants:

• FERC re-licensing for 7 hydroelectric projects
• FERC license requirement compliance
• NERC/WECC reliability standards compliance
• New hydro project development
• Project management
• Plant maintenance tracking
• Maintaining maintenance records and project scheduling
• Manage professional consulting firms contracts and activities

• Create and maintain CBHP’s master project and maintenance schedule

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

An individual in this position should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Job Knowledge – Competent in required job skills and knowledge including a thorough understanding of hydroelectric project development, FERC licensing process, operations, and maintenance.
• Project Management – Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget.
• Communications – Competently expresses ideas and thoughts verbally and in written form; ability to write effective correspondence, policies, memorandums and reports; ability to make effective presentations.
• Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization’s strengths & weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; promotes safe work environment; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines.
• Computer Skills – Working knowledge of Word Processing software, Project Management software, Excel spreadsheet software, Computer-Aided Design software and Internet software.
• Continuous Learning – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to flexible schedule when necessary to reach goals.